Atlanta Falcons vs Carolina Panthers prediction and odds

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Two NFC South rivals meet as the Atlanta Falcons debut rookie running back Bijan Robinson and the Carolina Panthers play their first game in the Frank Reich-Bryce Young era.

Atlanta Falcons vs Carolina Panthers – Game predictions

Contents

1 Atlanta Falcons vs Carolina Panthers – Game predictions
- 1.1 Prediction 1: Bijan Robinson over 70.5 rushing yards @ -110 (1.91)
- 1.2 Prediction 2: Miles Sanders anytime touchdown scorer @ +145 (2.45)
2 Falcons vs Panthers preview – Which young quarterback do you trust?
3 Key match details

The Falcons are a 3.5-point home favorite with a total of 39.5 points. But division games can always be unpredictable, especially in a new season with such inexperienced quarterbacks. That is why we prefer the running back props in this matchup.

Prediction 1: Bijan Robinson over 70.5 rushing yards @ -110 (1.91)

The Falcons were the No. 1 offense in rushing attempts last season, helping 5th-round rookie Tyler Allgeier to a 1,000-yard season. Now they add Bijan Robinson, the best running back prospect in the draft. Look for them to feature him early and often in this matchup as Arthur Smith will continue limiting the passing attempts for young Desmond Ridder. The Falcons have a variety of backs who can score too in Allgeier and Cordarrelle Patterson, so we prefer the yardage prop over anytime touchdown scorer for Bijan. But he should have a good debut.

Prediction 2: Miles Sanders anytime touchdown scorer @ +145 (2.45)

The attention will be on Robinson in his debut, but Miles Sanders is also making his Carolina debut after a career season for the Eagles last year. Frank Reich enjoyed having Jonathan Taylor in Indianapolis and likes to lead on his workhorse back when possible. Sanders is a good player who scored 11 touchdowns last year and should be a main feature in the red zone this year. The Falcons have a lot of new defensive starters and a rookie defensive coordinator in his first game. Look for Sanders to find the end zone in his Carolina debut.

Falcons vs Panthers preview – Which young quarterback do you trust?

Bryce Young was the top-rated quarterback in the 2023 draft. Desmond Ridder was only a third-round pick in 2022, but he was the next quarterback off the board after Kenny Pickett. He will be making his 5th start Sunday for Arthur Smith.

Atlanta Falcons form, news and injuries

This is the first time Ridder will play with tight end Kyle Pitts, who was injured last year. With Ridder, Pitts, Robinson, and No. 1 wideout Drake London, the Falcons have a very exciting young core to watch grow on offense. The defense boasts a lot of veterans, but the Falcons will be hoping on this easy schedule to pay off as they face very few experienced quarterbacks in 2023.

Atlanta Falcons injury report:

RB Cordarrelle Patterson (Thigh) – Questionable
WR KhaDarel Hodge (Ankle) – Questionable
WR Penny Hart (Concussion) – Out
CB Jeff Okudah (Ankle) – Out
OT Ethan Greenidge (Leg) – Out
OL Matt Hennessy (Knee) – Out
TE Feleipe Franks (Foot) – Out
OLB Adetokunbo Ogundeji (Foot) – Out
RB Avery Williams (Knee) – Out
DL Ikenna Enechukwu (Leg) – Out
OL Barry Wesley (Undisclosed) – Out

Carolina Panthers form, news and injuries

The Panthers had to trade No. 1 wideout D.J. Moore to Chicago to help draft Young, so they are lacking a bit in the weapons department after already trading Christian McCaffrey to the 49ers last year. DJ Chark is already out with a hamstring injury this week. Fortunately, despite being upset with his contract, top pass rusher Brian Burns expects to play in Week 1.